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Mets enact some 'Reyes Rules'

Mets enact some 'Reyes Rules'

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By Marty Noble
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MLB.com |

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. -- A few hundred yards from where the Mets play the Cardinals on Tuesday, the Other Mets will bend the rules of the game when they play the other Cardinals, i.e., the Cardinals' Triple-A Memphis affiliate. The rules will be bent, altered, displaced and generally not observed for the sake of one Jose Reyes.

The rehabbing shortstop is to "play" on Tuesday, at the Minor League complex, for the first time since he returned from his three-week period of inactivity caused by thyroid issues. More to the point, he is to bat only. Playing shortstop is for another day. And he will be allowed to run -- 90 feet, from the plate to first base. With a nod to Mr. Chamberlain, these are the Reyes Rules.

The restrictions seemingly reinforce the notion that Reyes will not be on the active roster for the Opening Day game on Monday. But the club maintains that it has made no decision, still holding to its plan to design Reyes' next-day program based on how he reacts to increased exertion.

Reyes was to run the bases on Tuesday as well.

There are to be no restrictions on the Other Mets' starting pitcher this afternoon. Johan Santana is likely to push his pitch count to 100 -- he threw 83 in his most recent start -- in his final Spring Training appearance.

Marty Noble is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.